Chris Scannell scored two goals for Cliftonville

A mistake by Glens defender Colin Nixon allowed the home side to take the lead through Scannell but the Glens levelled with a Gary Hamilton free-kick.

Holland restored Cliftonville's lead before half-time with Scannell netting again in the 57th minute and McMullan making it 4-1 with a brilliant volley.

Hamilton scored a close-range second but it was not enough for the Glens.

It was a superb victory for Cliftonville and the first for Reds boss Eddie Patterson in a league game against Glentoran.

They got off to an dream start when Nixon fluffed an attempted back pass, allowing Holland to pass for Scannell to net an easy goal.

Glentoran's equaliser came on 20 minutes after full-back Aaron Smyth had hauled down Hamilton just outside the box.

Smyth looked to be the last man and was fortunate not to be sent-off by referee Colin Burns.

But the Glens will feel justice was done as Hamilton's right foot sent the direct free over the wall and beyond the reach of home keeper John Connolly.

However, another mistake in the Glens defence was punished as Holland fired the Reds into a 2-1 lead five minutes before the interval.

Scannell made it 3-1 with a simple tap-in after Glens keeper had palmed out a shot by Mark Holland.

Then McMullan made it four with a acrobatic volley with Hamilton getting a second goal for Glentoran.